Multimillion dollar facility will serve the entire University community

SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. - The culmination of months of construction and a development plan that extends back even further, the Seton Hall Department of Athletics is pleased to announce the opening of a brand-new, multimillion dollar fitness center on the University's South Orange campus.

"We are thrilled to officially open our new Fitness Center," said Patrick Lyons, Director of Athletics and Recreation Services. "Made possible by the generous support of the University and countless others who contributed to an extensive renovation process, we believe it rivals the top recreational facilities in the Northeast. The state-of-the-art fitness center is the largest of several recently completed capital improvement projects within the Richie Regan Athletic Center. The entire University community will benefit from the enhanced offerings of our recreational services program as this facility will stand as a cornerstone of Seton Hall Athletics and hub for recreational activity for years to come."

To honor the opening, a blessing ceremony is scheduled to be held tomorrow, Thursday, January 23 at 4 p.m.

Over 12,000 square feet in total size, the fitness center is housed in an entirely new space following a multifaceted expansion to the structure of the Athletic Center. The two-tier facility boasts new men's and women's locker rooms, dual dedicated cardio stations as well as an array of circuit and free weight training options. The space is encased by a sleek glass façade which not only provides a view onto campus but also allows for natural lighting; serving the modern look, feel and functionality of the space as a whole.

More than a simple relocation or re-design, the fitness center has been lined with a fleet of cutting-edge fitness equipment that improves the facility's ability to meet the demands of the University community and will offer an enhanced workout experience as well. Each cardio apparatus is equipped with a customizable high-definition screen that can be used to watch live television, incorporate a variety of built-in, interactive fitness programs or connect to a mobile device while in use.

Also included is a set of dance studios, both over 1,250 square feet in size. Among other functions, the studios will be home to a greatly expanded catalogue of regularly-scheduled, organized fitness courses.

In an effort to facilitate member relations, a reception area and offices for recreational services staff were added as well and are located next to the elevator on the first floor.

The opening of the new Fitness Center marks the completion of the third major facilities project which has come to fruition during the 2013-14 academic year; joining the Center for Sports Medicine and Charles W. Doehler Academic Center for Excellence as a shining beacon of the upward direction of Seton Hall Athletics. As was the case when those two facilities were introduced however, the greater plan to overhaul athletics facilities at The Hall is far from complete.

In the coming months, construction is slated to begin on a new weight room that will be devoted solely to the University's 14 varsity athletic teams and the department's strength and conditioning program. Also in the works are team-specific locker rooms for Olympic sports, an enlarged meeting and film room and a dedicated space for the Seton Hall Athletics Hall of Fame.

Such projects are a part of the Pirate Blue Athletic Fund's ongoing Pride & Excellence Campaign. For more information on upcoming developments and how to get involved, click HERE